Woods Lake Campground

About

Woods Lake Campground is a tent-only campground located at 8,200 feet elevation near the summit of Carson Pass in Eldorado National Forest. Due to its high elevation, it is often the last campground in the area to open each season, typically operating from June through October. The campground offers 26 sites nestled among the trees near Woods Lake. The alpine lake provides excellent opportunities for fishing, swimming, paddleboarding, and non-motorized boating such as kayaking. Trails lead directly from the campground into the Mokelumne Wilderness, where overnight users must obtain permits (available at Carson Pass Information Station in summer or the Amador Ranger Station). Day-use permits for the wilderness are free and self-issued at the trailhead. The campground has vault toilets, drinking water from faucets, fire rings at sites, and bear boxes for food storage. Bears are active in the area, so proper food storage is mandatory. Maximum stay is 14 days per district per year. Single sites accommodate up to 6 people and 2 vehicles; double sites allow 12 people and 4 vehicles.

Directions

63.5 miles east of Jackson on Highway 88, then 2 miles south of the highway near Carson Pass. Fee parking is available at Woods Lake trailhead, located 0.5 miles before the campground.